Justice Department Sues California and Virginia Over New Firearm Restrictions

The Justice Department filed lawsuits against California and Virginia on Wednesday challenging new state restrictions on semiautomatic firearms. The California suit targets a law that took effect the same day and limits the sale of certain new handguns. Officials said the measure violates the Second Amendment.

The California lawsuit was filed hours after the restrictions became active. State officials had declined to negotiate with the Justice Department before the filing. A Justice Department official stated the administration is treating alleged infringements of the Second Amendment seriously.

“This lawsuit is yet another example of this Justice Department enforcing the Second Amendment by protecting citizens against unconstitutional state regulation of firearms." — Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, press release State officials defended the law as a commonsense safety measure that prevents accidental discharges and conversion of pistols into automatic weapons.”

The ban took effect Wednesday. A Justice Department official had warned state officials in April that a lawsuit would follow if the measure became law. A spokesperson for the governor said the governor believes firearms designed to inflict maximum casualties do not belong in communities or near schools.

The lawsuits came the same day the Supreme Court agreed to hear two Second Amendment cases next term involving state and local bans on certain semiautomatic rifles. A gun rights group said the timing is favorable for challenges to firearm restrictions nationwide.